Gadget Review: New Zenfone Max

So, here is another gadget review, from the long traveller’s perspective. I am finally laying my hands on the latest Zenfone Max. The Max line has been there for a few months but it is an upgraded version. The primary difference seems to be a more powerful Octa-Core processor replacing the Quad-Core one. So, here is a short review of the same.

Battery… or a Power Bank?

Yes, the battery is the biggest deal in this phone and also for the travellers. I often end up in situations where there my phone runs out of charge and I either cannot find a charging point or it is already occupied by someone else. The 5000 mAh battery here claims to last for 3 days. I have just had it for a day not so cannot say about 3 Days but so far it has shown almost no depletion in power level after several hours of regular usage. I do not know about the people who live in the cities but for a digital nomad this is one of the most important features. In fact, it is so powerful that one can charge other devices with it. That is why it even comes with an OTG cable like a power bank.

Speed

As mentioned before, it comes with the lightening fast Snapdragon 615 Octa-Core processor as well as 2GB RAM (One can also get 3GB RAM by paying a bit more). I am not really a gamer and for my regular internet surfing, image processing, and reading, it has not blinked at all. Also, the internal memory has been doubled to 32 GB. So, I can even carry films along with my MP3 and PDFs. One can add 64GB external memory but I guess it won’t even be needed.

Screen

It has a 5.5 inch HD (1280 x 720) IPS display. Now, the screen-size preferences vary from person to person. I have been using a 4.5 inch phone and it is fine otherwise. But I just cannot watch media and it feels a bit too small for serious reading too. 5.5 inch practically replaces the tablet and makes life easier. There are phones with higher resolutions, but at INR 9999, it is as good as it gets.

Camera

It comes with 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. Can’t complain as far as MPs are concerned because even my good old DSLR has only 12.5 MP. The camera seems excellent indoors. While in the outdoors, be careful when the sun is very bright (but one can always edit). Anyway, I will update this post with more pictures from the phone later on and will also do more with the video feature during my forthcoming travels. Keep an eye on my Instagram account for the same.

Software

Well, I am not really an Android nerd. I don’t care much about which candy or pastry it is till my job gets done. But for those who care, it comes with the latest Andoid Marshmellow and so there is no need to bother about updates for a while.

In short, the new Zenfone Max has done something that makes life easier for digital nomads and budget travellers. Now I am waiting to see how long the battery of their next version lasts (Make it a week).